There are several treatments available for melanoma and research is constantly ongoing to develop even more options
Of course, early detection and diagnosis are still key to improving your chances of surviving melanoma, so it is vital that you stay vigilant and actively check for changes to your skin and the skin of your loved ones regularly.
Treatments options
Surgery
This is the only treatment known to cure melanoma by cutting out the melanoma plus some of the healthy-looking skin around it. By examining the tissue after it has been surgically removed, the doctors will be able to see how deep the cells have grown and whether the melanoma is likely to have spread (what Level and Stage it has reached).
Further surgery might be needed if the doctor believes that more tissue needs to be removed from the surrounding area to rid it of melanoma cells.
Most surgery is done under local anaesthetic, so you do not need to be made unconscious. It is likely that the surgery will leave a scar, but most patients would rather have a scar than lose their life. Thankfully, for most people surgery is the only treatment they need to be rid of their melanoma.
Further Surgery
If it seems likely that the melanoma may have spread, you may have to undergo a Lymph Node Dissection, which is carried out under general anaesthetic. All the lymph nodes in a particular area (usually close to the melanoma site) are removed and examined for signs of malignant cells.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses x-rays to destroy malignant cells in a course of treatment that may last several weeks. It is only used when the melanoma has spread around the body.
New melanoma treatments
There are ongoing research efforts to find a medication to treat melanoma. Immunotherapy and a new type of medication called B-Raf inhibitors are being used but only in cases where the melanoma has spread beyond the skin.
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More detailed information can be obtained during a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Please contact the Institute for a consultation.
Our Plastic Surgeons
Skilled and experienced plastic surgery experts
All four specialists are New Zealand trained plastic and cosmetic surgeons with a vast surgical experience over many years and many thousands of patients.
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Prominently positioned in Remuera, Auckland
Our practice is the largest private plastic and cosmetic surgical practice in New Zealand, located at 243 Remuera Road, Auckland with spacious, modern consulting rooms and ample parking.
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